UConn FB notebook

Published 1:04 am, Tuesday, September 1, 2009

DIFTON IMPRESSIVE -- There are a number of true freshmen on the UConn football roster who will make contributions on the field this season. None, it would seem, more so than wide receiver Dwayne Difton.

So will the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native start when the Huskies open against Ohio Sept. 5?

A highly touted recruit from St. Thomas Aquinas, Difton's work ethic has apparently been noticed by the coaches, too.

"I've been working hard, man. I've been working very hard," Difton said. "I'm going to do whatever I have to do for the O (offense)." Regardless of his whether or not he begins the game on the field, Difton has secured a spot with the first team.

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"I've seen the depth chart but at the same time I still have to work hard and continue doing what I've done since coming on campus," Difton said. "I have to study my playbook and do whatever I have to do."

RYAN PULLS AHEAD -- Only last week Edsall said redshirt freshman Jimmy Bennett was pushing senior Dan Ryan for the starting left tackle job. After a scrimmage Sunday, however, the situation changed drastically.

"Every day is different around here," Edsall said.

Ryan's play moved him significantly ahead and it looks like the Franklin native will start.

"Jimmy Bennett's got a ton of talent but he's still wet behind the ears," Edsall said.

"Mike can throw the ball. Mike's got good athletic ability," Edsall said. "He's got a good arm and good feet."

Redshirt freshman Johnny McEntee, a walk-on, is currently slated fourth. Redshirt freshman Casey Turner is all the way down at No. 5.

EXTRA POINTS -- Reserve safety Harris Agbor suffered a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) knee injury during Friday's practice. He is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks. ... Tight ends Ryan Griffin and John Delahunt "have separated themselves" from Yianni Apostolakos and Corey Manning, according to Edsall. ... Cornerback Jasper Howard will once again serve as the Huskies' primary punt returner. "He wants to do it," Edsall said. "He's just got to make some better decisions this year."